THE MAGIC

Touch telepathy is endemic among the population, but is rare and occurs randomly. Those who possess it are considered healers, but also witches and sorcerers, and the penalty for discovery is death, for the kings have learned to hold this power and to pass it on, and they are jealous of their power. They use it to heal and to truth-read, and fear that if the ability became widespread among the population, their own divine right to rule would be weakened. The telepathy requires both physical and mental strength and can quickly exhaust the user, but the kings wear magic Medallions, which they can draw on for additional strength. Some healers use similar talismans in which their power can be stored and then drawn upon, while others depend on their own natural abilities.

The magic of the Velnar Knights is different. Along with expert swordsmanship and other fighting skills, they have learned to conjure cold fire and to kindle hot fire, as well. The process is difficult, and they guard the secret of their mastery very closely. The knights themselves are ambivalent about their power, some viewing it as true magic, others as merely learned skills. The highest-ranking knights wear Medallions--like those of the kings. Most lower-ranking knights depend on their own strength, although talismans are not unknown. The general population regards all Velnar abilities as magical.

Although medallions are used as emblems of rank in Casanarva, not all of them are empowered with magic. In secret rituals the Velnar Knights use their magic to empower the Medallions that the highest-ranking knights wear. These Velnar Medallions are in turn used to empower the Velnar weapons and also the Medallions the kings wear and use to enhance their own telepathic power. Thus there is a symbiotic relationship between the Velnarn and the kings.

For more information: I have notebooks and boxes full of information about the world of Casanarva, but I thought these things might be the most important to know. If you have any questions about Casanarva, please let me know, and I will try to add the information here.